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From sweet cherry to beefsteak, your tomato plants all have one thing in common: the need for tomato cages. Tomatoes are vining plants, so supporting tomatoes from an early stage is critical to their success in your garden. The best tomato cages offer plants the greatest chance to grow tall and strong and produce healthy,plentiful tomatoes. Fortunately, there are almost as many tomato growing cages as there are varieties of tomatoes.
We recently put seven of the best cages to the test, from round to square to collapsible tomato cages, and the Gardener’s Supply Company Tomato Cages came out on top. While these heavy-gauge, square tomato cages from Gardener’s Supply aren’t cheap, they’re incredibly easy to set up and take down and fold flat for storage. And, unlike some of the flimsier options on the market, these are heavy-duty cages. In fact, they are among the more durable models of galvanized steel cages our testers have tried, sure to last season after season.
But there were other cages we liked, too. We focused on high-quality plant cages that would offer adequate support for tomato plants, were easy to assemble, use, and store while still being durable enough to withstand everything a growing season might throw at them. Read on for more info on the best tomato cages you can get for your garden.
- BEST OVERALL: Gardener’s Supply Company Tomato Cages
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Panacea Products Tomato and Plant Support Cage
↓ Jump to Review - MOST VERSATILE: MTB Galvanized Square Folding Tomato Cage
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR CONTAINERS: K-Brands Extra Tall Tomato Cage
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR SMALL SPACES: Growneer Tomato Cages
↓ Jump to Review - HONORABLE MENTION: Mimeela Tomato Cage
↓ Jump to Review
Tomato Cages Comparison
Our Top Picks
The following tomato cages made the list of top picks due to their cost, versatility, and durability. Read on for some of the best tomato cages on the market in a variety of categories to help produce gorgeous, fruitful tomato plants this season.
Best Overall
Gardener’s Supply Company Tomato Cages
See It
See It
See It
What We Like
- Less than 30 seconds to set up
- Bright red color looks attractive in the garden
- Powder-coated steel keeps wire from getting hot
- Heavy-duty steel feet won’t bend when repositioning
- Folds flat in seconds for easy storage
- 8-inch-square openings make harvesting easy
- Suitable for other plants
What We Don’t Like
- One of the four cages was a little tricky to fold flat
- Size is not adjustable
- Red color may not be for everyone
- Too large for most containers
Specs
-
Material
Coated steel -
Dimensions
9 inches tall by 14.75 inches wide -
Shape
Square
Our Ratings
| Setup | 3.5/5 | Functionality | 4.3/5 | Durability | 4.5/5 | Storage | 4.5/5 | Value | 4.3/5 |
Taking the top spot for best tomato cages are the folding square cages from Gardener’s Supply Company. Easy to set up, these square tomato cages measure 14.75 inches wide by 39 inches tall, providing generous space for even the largest tomato varieties. The only downside to this size is that they may not fit in containers. The wide square openings are ideal for harvesting and pruning tomato plants throughout the growing season.
These sturdy, powder-coated steel wire cages come in a four-pack in your choice of red or green. The coating helps the wire stay cooler in the summer sun, and the color and style are attractive in the garden bed. The larger cage size means these are also suitable for a variety of other vining plants, including beans (especially bush beans), peas, cucumbers and even squash. The weight of the wire cages should support squash such as butternut and miniature pumpkin varieties, though ultimately, they’re not large enough for pumpkins.
One of the highlights, as our reviewer notes below, is how easy these were to uninstall, collapse, and store. In addition, they are generous enough in size to contain the tomato, allowing plenty of space in the garden bed for companion planting such as basil, lettuce, or other low-growing veggies.
What our tester says: “I’ve gone through dozens of tomato cages in my lifetime as a gardener. Many of the thin ones buckle and bend, and become harder to store and reuse each year. Not only do the Gardener’s Supply Tomato Cages fold flat for easy off-season storage, but they’re also incredibly sturdy and maintain their exact shape. I’m excited to finally have found a tomato cage that will actually last beyond one or two seasons.” —Amber Guetebier, Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Gardener’s Supply Tomato Cages at Amazon, Walmart (green variant only), or Gardener’s.
Best Bang for the Buck
Panacea Products Tomato and Plant Support Cage
See It
What We Like
- Easy to install
- Great for containers and raised beds
- Excellent quality for the price
- Can be used for other garden plants
What We Don’t Like
- A little on the small side
- Don’t fold down for storage
- Feet might bend when repositioned repeatedly
Specs
-
Material
Galvanized steel -
Dimensions
33 inches tall by 12.1 inches wide -
Shape
Round
Our Ratings
| Setup | 2.5/5 | Functionality | 3.3/5 | Durability | 3.5/5 | Storage | 4.5/5 | Value | 4.3/5 |
With 10 included wire plant cages, this set from Panacea Products is a great buy for a prolific garden. Made of galvanized steel wire, each cage measures 33 inches tall, 6 inches in diameter at the base, and 12.1 inches in diameter at the top.
The three-rung tapered design provides a sturdy base for small tomatoes and other climbing fruits and vegetables. A smaller bottom diameter means they can fit easily in a garden or an indoor planter, while the large top opening makes it easy to harvest tomatoes when they’re ripe and ready. When not in use, the cages stack for simple storage.
These cages held up well in stormy weather and are the right size for staking other garden plants, such as lilies or sunflowers. However, like many non-folding tomato cages, the feet can bow and bend when repositioned, making them a little less sturdy for use year after year.
Get the Panacea Products tomato cages at Best Nest.
Most Versatile
MTB Galvanized Square Folding Tomato Cage
See It
What We Like
- Easy setup and takedown
- Fold flat for storage
- Can be opened flat for use as a trellis
- Heavy-duty galvanized wire will last multiple seasons
What We Don’t Like
- Some of the hooks came unfastened once placed
- Too large for most containers
Specs
-
Material
Galvanized steel -
Dimensions
46 inches tall by 12 inches wide -
Shape
Square
Our Ratings
| Setup | 4.5/5 | Functionality | 5/5 | Durability | 5/5 | Storage | 5/5 | Value | 4.8/5 |
Available in a two-pack, these square-shaped tomato cages from MTB Supply are made of galvanized steel. But buyer beware: the wires don’t have a plastic coating, which means their color may stand out in the garden, and they will get pretty hot in the summer sun.
Each of the galvanized steel cages may stand alone, or the two can join forces to create a garden lattice, making them well-suited for growing peas, cucumbers, or beans. Measuring 46 inches tall by 12 inches wide, these wire tomato cages provide ample space for large tomato plants. Additionally, the square shape offers a sturdy, durable solution for larger tomato varieties. The cages fold flat when not used, making them easy to store when the growing season ends.
What our tester says: “These felt like a great investment for several reasons: They held up well to all of my stress tests and stayed in great shape after being set up and taken down several times. But best of all, I used a couple as trellis to experiment and they worked great for sweet peas, beans, and even a clematis I had just planted.” —Amber Guetebier, product reviews tester and writer
Get the MTB tomato cages at Amazon.
Best for Containers
K-Brands Extra Tall Tomato Cage
See It
See It
What We Like
- Adjustable height as plants grow
- Sturdy when staked into ground
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Can be disassembled for storage each year
- Includes snap-on clips to help stake tomatoes
- Can be used for other garden plants
What We Don’t Like
- Setup took 15 minutes per cage
- Snap-on arms required some patience
- Plastic parts feel less sturdy than steel stakes
Specs
-
Material
Steel and plastic -
Dimensions
16 inches to 68 inches tall by 10 inches wide -
Shape
Triangle
Our Ratings
| Setup | 3.5/5 | Functionality | 4.3/5 | Durability | 4.5/5 | Storage | 4.5/5 | Value | 4.3/5 |
This three-pack from K-Brands features triangular tomato cages made of plastic-coated steel and plastic, which prevents overheating in the sun and resists rust in the rain. Appropriate for larger tomato varieties, they each extend up to 68 inches high. The included snap-on clips make it easy to thread tomato vines through the cage and secure them as the plants grow.
Even tomato plants that are started from seed will work with K-Brands’ tomato cages thanks to their adjustable height. The green color helps camouflage the cages, which may look neater and more attractive in the garden. While the cages do require assembly, no tools are necessary.
Get the K-Brands tomato cages at Amazon or Walmart.
Best Small Tomato Cage
Mimeela Tomato Cage
See It
What We Like
- Easy setup—just unfold and go
- Fold back down for easy storage
- Includes four bonus self-watering spigots
- Can be used for other small garden plants
- Ideal for containers
What We Don’t Like
- Small size won’t accommodate larger tomato varieties
- Not as sturdy as other varieties
- Self-watering spigots don’t fit all water bottles
Specs
-
Material
Steel and plastic -
Dimensions
24 inches tall by 8.7 inches wide (at widest point) -
Shape
Round
Our Ratings
| Setup | 4.5/5 | Functionality | 5/5 | Durability | 5/5 | Storage | 5/5 | Value | 4.8/5 |
With a 7.1-inch bottom diameter, these small tomato cages will fit comfortably in most small pots and grow bags. This tomato cage set from Mimeela includes four circular plant cages measuring 24 inches high, four self-watering spikes, and 20 plant support clips.
For durability and rust resistance, the cages feature a durable, plastic-coated steel frame. A waterproof cap on the stakes prevents rainwater from rusting the inside. Sharpened bottom points enable easy insertion into the ground. Each cage features three height-adjustable rungs, allowing growers to modify the support as the plant grows.
The set also includes four plastic spigots that can be screwed onto a water bottle to create a self-watering feature. Buyers should note that our testers tried several styles of plastic water bottles until they were able to find one that fit (a 2-liter soda bottle did the trick). This may make the feature less practical for some.
Get the Mimeela tomato cages at Amazon.
Honorable Mention
Growneer Tomato Cages
See It
See It
What We Like
- Inexpensive option that works great for containers
- Can be disassembled for storage each year
- Includes a roll of garden wire for staking
- Height can be adjusted as plants grow
- Can work well for other garden plants
What We Don’t Like
- Assembly took about 15 minutes per cage
- Plastic connecters didn’t all fit tightly
- Difficult to move or reposition
- Snap-on arms required patience to position correctly
Specs
-
Material
Steel and plastic -
Dimensions
Up to 51 inches tall by 13 inches wide -
Shape
Triangle
Our Ratings
| Setup | 4.5/5 | Functionality | 4.3/5 | Durability | 3.5/5 | Storage | 5/5 | Value | 3.8/5 |
This three-pack from Growneer features triangular tomato cages made of plastic-coated steel. After an easy, tool-free assembly with the help of snap-on arms, each cage extends to 51 inches tall and 13 inches wide. They adjust to accommodate smaller tomatoes or plants as they grow. Gardeners may also choose to build them around existing plants.
An included 328 feet of garden twist tie helps secure the plants to their posts. Nine included clips keep vines in place. The green color of these Growneer plant cages blends in with tomato plants and the overall look of the garden.
Overall, the Growneer tomato cages were a little more difficult to set up. Our testers recommended assembling them around the plants directly in a raised bed rather than trying to build and move them later.
Get the Growneer tomato cages at Amazon or Growneer.
How We Chose the Best Tomato Cages
| Testing Stats | |
|---|---|
| Products tested | 13 |
| Time spent testing | 4 weeks |
| Tests performed | 7 |
| Price range | $24 to $130 |
We researched various kinds of tomato growing cages based on material, shape, size, ease of use, and other special features.
We performed a series of tests on the tomato cages, starting with taking note of how long and complicated (or easy) the assembly process was. All the tomato cages were set up in a garden exposed to a variety of weather conditions, including heavy storms and plenty of sunlight, for a period of four weeks. During this time, we repeated the assembly and disassembly process to gauge the sturdiness of the products after exposure to the elements.
We took note of how sturdy the materials felt overall, how well they stayed in place during gusts of wind, and how well they supported the plants. To further test the durability, we dropped each tomato cage from a height of 8 feet onto both grass and concrete and took note of any damage.
After extensive testing, we have included options in our list of the best tomato cages, which are primarily made with durable steel and galvanized steel constructions coated with either plastic or PVC for weather resistance. Options for tomato plant cages tested included round, triangle, and square shapes.
Many of our top picks are available in various sizes to accommodate plants at all life stages, from seedlings to fully grown, with some cages reaching heights of nearly 7 feet tall. Virtually all the tomato cages we included are easy to assemble with snap-on clips or connecting pieces; some come completely preassembled.
What to Consider When Choosing Tomato Cages
Tomato cages help keep tomatoes upright and may even increase the yield of the plants. But how do you choose the best tomato cage? Keep the following considerations in mind when shopping: the construction material, the size and shape of the cage, and assembly options.
Material
Most tomato cages are made of metal with some slight variations. Wire cages for tomatoes are typically comprised of uncoated metal, coated metal, or galvanized steel.
While metal can provide a durable and secure tomato cage, if it’s uncoated, it may rust. Whether coated with plastic or powder, coated metal provides better weather resistance.
Another benefit of coated metal is its heat resistance. Uncoated metal can get fiery hot in the summer sun; if you touch it as you reach for a ripe tomato, it may really burn. Coated metals won’t heat up so much. Consider the planned location of the cages and whether rust resistance is a concern before choosing a metal.
Size
Tomato cages range in size, with smaller ones measuring up to 15 inches in height and larger ones reaching 72 inches. The right size for you will depend on the size of your garden and what type of tomato plants you plan to grow.
For smaller varieties of tomatoes, such as Tiny Tim and New Big Dwarf, smaller tomato cages should do the trick. Larger plants, such as Beefsteak and Big Boy, will require larger tomato cages. Some tomato planter cages offer height adjustment, which makes them suitable for various kinds of tomatoes.
Shape
Tomato cages come in three main shapes: curved-link stakes, triangular, and ring style.
- Curved-link stakes, often rectangular or square-shaped, may provide more stability than ring-style cages. They also provide better support for heavier tomatoes and stronger plants. These cages fold up easily for simple storage when the gardening season ends.
- Triangular cages allow a tomato plant more support for optimal growth because the bars are closer together, making them ideal for smaller varieties of tomatoes.
- Ring-style cages with their circular shape provide ample room for tomato plants to grow, which can result in a higher yield, especially when paired with the right tomato fertilizer.
Assembly
Learning how to use tomato cages is fairly straightforward, even more so with preassembled tomato cages. Others require assembly with stabilizing poles and connecting pieces. Few tomato cages require tools or assistance to assemble. Generally, large cages require manual assembly, while smaller ones may come preassembled or require fewer assembly steps.
For those concerned about assembling a tomato cage, check the manufacturer’s assembly instructions prior to purchase.
Tips for Using Tomato Cages
The best tomato cages can certainly help plants stay healthier and produce more tomatoes, but only if used correctly. Just like the right soil for tomatoes, the best tomato cages can help with growth and production. They will need to be properly placed and secured around the plant to maximize the benefits. Some cages also include accessories, like plastic ties or clips, to help secure the plant as it grows.
Follow these three tips for properly using tomato cages:
- Use only one tomato cage per tomato plant.
- Submerge the legs of the tomato cage at least several inches into the soil to ensure it is secure.
- As a tomato plant grows, use ties or clips to guide and secure the vines through the cage.
FAQs
If you’re hoping to grow tomatoes, here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about tomato cages.
The size of the best tomato cage for you depends on the size of the tomato plants that will grow inside it. For smaller varieties, cages of 15 inches high and 10 inches wide work well. Larger varieties will require cages that are at least 38 inches high and 14 inches wide.
The tomato cage legs should be inserted at least 6 inches into the soil to prevent tipping.
Since tomato cages are inserted into the soil, cage your tomato plants during the planting process (or when you move them outdoors) so that you don’t disrupt the plant’s root system later in the growing process.
The primary advantage of square tomato cages is their ability to fold flat for storage. In addition, square tomato cages may be able to accommodate larger and heavier tomato varieties than some of the smaller, cone-shaped tomato cages.
Tomatoes are vining plants that require support. Without them, the tomato vines will spread across the ground. This can lead to tomatoes being eaten by insects, worms, or animals. In addition, unsupported tomato vines can snap or break with the weight of ripening fruit.
Meet the Tester
Amber Guetebier is a gardener, landscaper, and nursery professional with 25 years of experience. She began writing for BobVila.com in 2021 and writes about plants and botanical oddities at Rotten Botany. Her book, Enchanted Plants, was released in 2025. She is also a contributing writer to other online publications including Better Homes & Gardens, CNET, Angi Scary Mommy, and Real Simple.
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